9 Health Benefits of Loquat Leaf you didn't know.

Living in a part of
the world where loquat is grown, I was more familiar with loquat as a tasty,
juicy fruit than with the medicinal properties of its leaves.

Loquat, also known as Eriobotrya japonica, is a subtropical
tree with a long history of use in traditional and herbal medicine.

Although the loquat produces edible fruit that is rich in
calcium, iron, vitamin A, and potassium, the therapeutic power of loquat is
contained in its large and glossy evergreen leaves. Traditionally used to make
a tea, loquat leaf has been reputed to promote skin, respiratory, and
intestinal health.

The loquat leaves are evergreen and are five to twelve
inches long and three to four inches wide. These beautiful leaves are glossed
and dark green. The Japanese in particular use the leaves to make a
healthful tea while it is also possible to make healing ointments and poultices
from the crushed and ground leaves before applying it to treat minor wounds.

Loquat leaves have
been fairly well studied over recent years and research has revealed that many
of its health benefits are related to its powerful antioxidant capacity.

By now, most people are aware of the importance of getting
as many natural antioxidants into our system as possible in order to prevent
the free radical damage that wreaks havoc on our health and leads to serious
illness.

As well as their
antioxidant activity, loquat leaves contain triterponoid acid which can help
reduce swelling and redness on the skin.

The benefits of the loquat leaf include the following:

1. Liver Support

Your liver is part of your body’s first line of
defense against toxins, and its job is to process and eliminate toxins. To
help, loquat contains an antioxidant known as Amygdalin, or B-17, which
supports the liver. It also contains linoleic acids and plant sterols, which encourage
normal liver function.

2. Promotes Normal
Blood Sugar

Support for blood sugar levels is another benefit offered by
the triterpenes in loquat leaf. One triterpene in particular, tormentic
acid, encourages polysaccharide production -- a necessary component of insulin
production. Although it is premature for diabetics to rejoice and rely on
loquat leaf, it is encouraging news and hopefully we'll see more research.

3. Encourages
Respiratory Health

Support for the respiratory system is a cornerstone of
the traditional use of loquat leaf. It's been used as a remedy for congestion,
cough, sensitivity to irritants, and even lung irritation. Clinical
research has confirmed its efficacy. A 2009 study at the Kyungpook National
University School of Medicine found that loquat leaf slowed the allergic
reactions in mice.

Other animal models have found that it helps to reduce
sneezing and the effects of histamines. The primary reason loquat leaf is so
beneficial is because it stops irritation from ever occurring. A separate study
in 2009 found that loquat leaf disrupts the communication from the cells that
detect irritation and "turn on" the redness and swelling response.

4. Soothes Skin and
Gums

When used in a topical cream, loquat leaf can be an
excellent remedy for the red, irritated skin that results from environmental
sensitivities. This is especially true when irritation is the result of
histamines. Similarly, the soothing benefits of loquat leaf can be had orally.
Loquat leaf has been used to extinguish uncomfortable, swollen gums.

5. Supports Brain
Health

Oxidative damage caused by free radicals is believed to be
one of the primary causes of neurodegenerative disorders. Because loquat leaf is
a beneficial antioxidant, it was examined in 2011 for its ability to support
normal brain operation and protect against oxidative stress. Not only did the
results confirm both, but mice given loquat leaf extract were observed to
experience memory improvements.

6. Supports the Mucous
Membranes

Organic loquat leaf extract may support the body's natural
detoxification process by acting as a mucolytic agent. This may help dissolve
thick mucus that holds onto toxic compounds.

7. Releases
Antioxidants

Loquat leaf helps the body release antioxidants, the
incredible health-supporting compounds that your body naturally produces. Antioxidants
have all kinds of benefits, but they're known mostly for their ability to
neutralize harmful toxins. They are commonly used to protect the body against
various diseases, support immunity, and possibly increase life expectancy.

8. For Eczema and Other Skin Complaints.

Loquat leaves can be applied topically in cream form as
a remedy for redness and
irritation caused by environmental allergens especially when the reaction is
caused by histamines.

When applied topically, loquat leaf can combat the reaction
from histamine production which both soothes inflamed skin and helps general
skin health. Its antioxidant
properties make it ideal for staving off the unwanted effects of free radical
damage to the skin. By getting more antioxidants into your system,
you can help protect against many of the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and
fine lines.

9. For Bone Strength

As we age, our bone density becomes lighter and our bones
become weaker. This is especially the case in women following the menopause
because of the reduced level of estrogen in their bodies. Recent research shows that loquat leaf tea
may help combat bone loss from estrogen depletion.

In a study published in 2014, mice whose ovaries had been
removed were fed loquat leaves
which resulted in a significant improvement in bone density in the lumbar area,
head and abdomen.